Universal Health Services on Fire: What 16 Top Analysts Are Saying About Its Future Now

As the stock market continues to be volatile, Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) is one stock that is receiving plenty of attention from top analysts. In the preceding three months, a total of 16 analysts have chimed in with their ratings for the company, showcasing a vast array of perspectives ranging from the bulls to the bears.

The consensus among these analysts offers valuable insights into the expectations and sentiment surrounding Universal Health Services. A comprehensive assessment of their recent ratings and price targets can aid investors in making an informed decision regarding the company’s stock.

A quick glance at the recent analyst ratings reveals an array of opinions. The table below provides an overview of these ratings, highlighting shifts in sentiment over the past month as well as comparisons to previous months.

Bullish ratings are at 2, somewhat bullish at 3, indifferent ratings at 0, somewhat bearish at 1, and bearish ratings stand at 0 for the preceding month. Over the past month alone, there have been a number of upgrades and downgrades from analysts.

In terms of average price targets over a 12-month period, the collection of analyst estimates averages out to $217.69. This is complemented by high and low estimates of $274.00 and $162.00, respectively. When compared against the former average price target of $196.69, the current one actually represents an increase of 10.68%.

Given the vast disparities between price targets, it becomes essential to analyze individual analysts and their outlook on Universal Health Services’ future. The subsequent table highlights the evaluations and alterations in ratings and price targets made by a selection of prominent analysts.

Sarah James from Cantor Fitzgerald chose to maintain a neutral rating while sustaining a price target of $219.00. Meanwhile, Ben Hendrix of RBC Capital determined that Universal Health Services deserved an upgrade to Sector Perform with a price target increase of $222.00 from $189.00.

Analyst Michael Ha from Baird mirrored Hendrix’s approach, electing to raise his rating from Outperform while fixing his price target to $274.00 from $236.00. A.J. Rice of UBS pushed Universal Health Services to a Buy rating from his initial evaluation with his new price target of $267.00, elevated from the initial figure of $247.00.

Jamie Perse of Goldman Sachs also gave the company a grade of Buy, lifting the price target to $229.00 from $200.00. Similarly, Stephen Baxter from Wells Fargo upped Universal Health Services to Overweight with his revised price target now standing at $255.00 from $200.00.

Additionally, Gary Taylor from TD Cowen upgraded the company to a Hold rating, an uptick from the initial Neutral rating, alongside elevating the price target to $220.00 from $183.00. Conversely, Andrew Mok of Barclays provided a conflicting perspective, shifting Universal Health Services down to Equal-Weight from the former Overweight. However, he concurrently increased the price target to $198.00 from $189.00.

These actions convey the shifting perceptions surrounding Universal Health Services as the company traverses various market dynamics and performance milestones. Whether analysts choose to upgrade, downgrade or maintain their ratings – all these fluctuations are critical when evaluating the future prospects of Universal Health Services.